Defining Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome or Syndrome X is happening to tons of Americans, but they don't know that this is what you call it. This condition is serious when not recognized, and many Americans are missing it all the time. The challenge is that there are so many illnesses and conditions that mimic each other, and when doctors talk to their patients they find that they are going to have to run a battery of tests in order to begin the process of elimination.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic Syndrome is a combination of problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and too much fat around the waist. These conditions are dangerous alone, but when grouped with all these other conditions they are even more dangerous. Any one of these conditions or combination of even two of them can contribute to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This spells trouble, and those who have any of these symptoms should see their doctor right away.

Patients should keep in mind that they need to be honest with their doctors and tell them when something is wrong even when they are afraid. The only way to get something corrected is to make a discovery and then act on it. The longer that these problems go on, the harder it will be to recover from it. Metabolic Syndrome is diagnosed when these combined factors all exist, but there isn't one test in particular that defines Metabolic Syndrome.

It is true that not all doctors agree on what Metabolic Syndrome is, and it is still being debated in the school of medicine. The actual cause that many doctors suspect is insulin resistance, which means that too much sugar is building up in your blood. You insulin is processed to manage this, and if it's out of control, then it's critical to reverse it through diet as soon as possible. Some doctors may suggest cholesterol medicines like Crestor, Zetia, or Zocor, but these medicines have harmful side effects. One important facet of this is being overlooked, and at some point Americans won't be able to turn a blind eye to it until it's too late. That critical piece of the puzzle is diet and exercise. '

Better Nutrition

The best diet for this condition is to avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates. If you need a sweetener, then try Stevia. Stevia is not a sugar of any kind, but a plant extract that was discovered and when broken down would act as a sweetener. So, toss your Equal and Sweet N' Low, and reach for the Stevia instead.

Fast foods should also be avoided, because they are high in preservatives, chemical additives, and a majority of fast food places have fried food. Many fried foods are subject to having carcinogens in them which can cause cancer, and eating fried food in excess is dangerous. The preservatives are chemically based, and can pile on the pounds and typically irritate allergies and sinus problems. Processed meats can cause the same issues if not more and when going organic for two weeks and then going back to processed foods, the difference is obvious. Just the lack of preservatives and eating leaner meat will help you lose unwanted pounds, and improve your sensitivity to sinuses and allergies.

If you aren't sure where to start, you should start by talking with your doctor. Don't ever think that there isn't something you can talk to them about, and be honest about all symptoms you are having. They can make recommendations to you to help you, so that eventually you won't need the medicines, and you can live a healthier, drug free life.

Karen Frazier

Love to Know Corp.

www.diet.lovetoknow.com

2010-2011